TheJetway - Winter 2026

The WNS community walking to school as a collective in honor of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

THE JETWAY: WINTER 2026

Table of Contents

Welcome from Head of School

A 45 Year Journey - Lynne Allen

Tracing Our Steps

Alumni Memories at Beethoven

Made Together, Shared Together - Asha Charan

Phonemic Awareness - Kelly Massey

Who Am I? - Brooke Faill

Walking the Walk - Jackie McPherson

Circle: A Space for Us All - Shannon Parker & Parker Williams

Young Leaders, Big Ideas - Hazel Heredia & Haley Petri

KWNS On Air - Elle Rothberg

Putting Change Into Motion - 8th Grade Students

Values in Full Color - Laurie Zachman

It’s a Jungle Out There! - Stephanie Bashall

Cuba: Learning In Living Color

School as a Second Home - Dr. Martinique Starnes

Jets Athletics

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Alumni Gathering: Class of 2021

Alumni Updates

A New Chapter at WNS - Danny Kramer

The Annual Fund

Embrace the Dream: 5340 Alla Road

Ways To Support Community at WNS

Editors

Hannah Lawrence, Director of PR & Marketing

Daniel Brubaker, Director of Communications

Printing

Ed Su, Studio Printing

Photography

Daniel Brubaker, Director of Communications

Vince Bucci Photography

WNS Community Members

TheJetway is published annually by Westside Neighborhood School for parents/caregivers, alumni, and friends. For more information or questions, please contact:

WNS Office of Marketing & Communications 5401 Beethoven Street Los Angeles, CA 90066 communications@wns-la.org

Westside Neighborhood School

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S WELCOME

As we turn the pages of this year’s Jetwaybearing the theme Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow - I am filled with pride, gratitude, and hope. This year marks our 45th anniversary: 45 years of shared learning, growth, challenges, laughter, and memories. It is a milestone that invites us to remember where we started, to celebrate where we stand, and to imagine where we are headed.

Yesterday: When WNS opened its doors in 1980, it was built on belief - belief in the power of inquiry, of creativity, and of community. Over the decades, we have nurtured generations of curious, compassionate learners. From moving to our first home on Manchester as Westchester Neighborhood School, to the opening of our North Campus and Early Childhood Center, our classrooms, our hallways, our playgrounds all have witnessed students reading their first words, raising their voices in song, diving into equations, staging plays, and discovering who they are. Those years laid the foundation for all that WNS is today: a place where each student is known, supported, challenged, and celebrated.

Today: This moment in our history is vibrant and alive. Our students continue to inspire us with their creativity, resilience, and ambition. Whether affecting change through middle school capstone projects, discovering new passions in artistic and athletic arenas, or simply building kindness and community day by day - our students embody our four pillars.

This year is especially momentous because it is our last year in our current campus home before we move into our forever home at 5340 Alla Road. That new campus reflects our deepest hopes for the future. It has been imagined

to expand our spaces for learning, arts, athletics, gathering, and growth, where potential can flourish.

Tomorrow: As we prepare to walk through those new doors, we carry with us the legacy of the past 45 years, and the promise of what is to come. We imagine hallways filled with fresh ideas, classrooms buzzing with discovery, theatres echoing with performance, and fields alive with teamwork and sportsmanship. Most of all, we imagine the young hearts and minds that will call this new campus home - and the mark they will leave on WNS and on the world.

To our students: may you always hold on to your curiosity, your courage to explore, your compassion for others, and your belief in your own capacity to make a difference. To our families: thank you for entrusting us with your children’s dreams, and for building this community with us. To our faculty and staff: thank you for giving heart, skill, devotion, and soul to every day of teaching, mentoring, and guiding. To our alumni and friends: thank you for carrying the spirit of WNS beyond these walls, reminding us that once a Jet, always a Jet.

As you browse this year’s Jetway - through stories of achievement, snapshots of daily life, reflections on growth, and hopes for the future - I hope you feel the rich tapestry of WNS: woven by every person who has walked our halls, learned at our desks, laughed on our playgrounds, and gathered in community.

Here’s to honoring our past, celebrating the present, and embracing all that tomorrow will bring.

With warmth and gratitude,

A Journey of 45 Years

Lynne Allen, WNS Founder & Teacher

When I look back over the past 45 years, I am in awe of the journey that has transformed WNS from a very small school of 54 students to a much grander one of over 600 with the reality of a magnificent new campus on the horizon. Change is inevitable but complete transformation is akin to a dream come true!

On June 16, 1980, Time Magazine’s cover story, “Teachers Can’t Teach” stated that our educational system was in a “multifaceted crisis” and “in perilous trouble.” Instead of accepting that diagnosis, a small but enthusiastic group of parents decided to create a new school in the summer of 1980. It was uncharted territory for all of us. However, we were determined to create a better educational experience for our children, and we were willing to dig in and work as hard as we could. We were blessed with a diverse group of talented people who contributed all of their time, talents, and treasures; our first public meeting was attended by several hundred people. There was incredible energy and excitement in the room! It was clear that the Westchester community was supportive of an independent school. Donations came in many forms: the Westchester Stationary Store donated paper supplies, Westchester Lutheran School gave

grow emotionally and socially to become the best version of themselves, have a passion for making a difference in an upside down world, and develop grit and stamina for the challenges of life. That they would be kind! As a school community we continue to hold those same hopes and dreams; our circumstances may have evolved, but the desires of our hearts and minds have not!

Congratulations WNS on a fight well fought!

Tracing Our Steps

1980: WNS opens as Weschester Neighborhood School at our first home on Manchester!

Founding Head of School: Jeri Shoemaker (1980-1992)

1988: The school moves to our second home on Arbor Vitae.

Head of School: Tony Cooper (1992-1996)

Head of School: Brenda Parker (1996-2008)

2005: WNS moves to Playa Vista for our first year on Beethoven Street.

Name changes to Westside Neighborhood School!

WNS expands to include 5400 Beethoven building.

2021: DEIJ Mural created by Class of 2021.

TheJetway WINTER 2026

2008: Brad Zacuto joins as Head of School. First school buses are introduced!

2018: Opening of Black Box Theatre.

2017: Opening of North Campus, Early Childhood Center, and North Gym.

2022: Added ECC Amphitheatre & reimagined 5401 Play Yard.

2024: Announcement of purchase of 5340 Alla Road!

ALUMNI MEMORIES AT BEETHOVEN

We asked our talented alumni for their fondest memories of their time in our Beethoven buildings. Here’s what they had to say!

WNSVille is one of my favorite memories.”

- Johannes Austin (‘21)

“The D.C. trip was so fun. I got to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That was quite an honor! Thank you to my teachers for giving me the best experience at WNS.”

- Tyler Ragsdale (‘25)

“ “

Zoie Brogdon Class of 2019

Caitlyn Caputo Class of 2015 “

I loved performing with my family group at the winter concert!! 8th grade and kindergarten buddies (shout out Riley F. - Class of ‘23).

Good luck on your move, WNS! I can’t wait to see the new campus!”

- Caitlyn Caputo (‘15)

Johannes Austin Class of 2021

I fondly remember my 8th grade buddy, and I am currently great friends with my kindergarten buddy!”

- Zoie Brogdon (‘19)

Tyler Ragsdale Class of 2025

Sydney Moses Class of 2017

“Take advantage of all the opportunities that WNS creates for you. At WNS, you can be ANYTHING and my only regret is not participating in more things when I was a student.”

- Sydney Moses (‘17)

Sophie Farland Class of 2013

““

Singing Frosty the Snowman in 8th grade with my kinder buddy! I met some of my closest friends through WNS and I’m extremely grateful for that!”

- Sophie Farland (‘13)

“Family groups were always so special when I was a student! When I became a teacher at WNS it was just as special to be on the other side of it. It was also a very full circle moment for me when I stepped into the position of my former art teacher. She had shaped a lot of my interests and character when I was a student.”

- Amanda Lugo (‘01)

It’s hard to pick just one, but a few memories really stand out: one was getting to be part of our school’s annual film festival, and then collaborating with classmates to create a new festival that specifically showcased Black artists (On the Rise) — that meant a lot. I also loved every chance I had to perform, especially being in Annie — getting to sing and act on stage was such a core part of my experience.

To the students, teachers, and WNS community — thank you for everything. I wouldn’t be the creative I am today if it weren’t for what this place poured into me.

Thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and creating a space where creativity could grow. WNS will always be a part of my foundation, and I carry that with me everywhere I go.”

- Rhiann Sheffie (‘18)

Ella Forester Class of 2022

“I remember the film festival in 8th grade and my movie was about Lady Macbeth. Right after the film played, the power went off unexpectedly in the movie theatre, and we all joked it was because I said Macbeth in the theater quite a few times. Thank you to all the teachers who made my high school journey so much easier and my WNS journey so unforgettable.”

- Ella Forester (‘22)

“

I will NEVER forget doing the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. All the friends that I made, it was truly an unforgettable experience. I still miss doing that show and those people that I did it with.”

- Leila Algee (‘22)

Leila Algee Class of 2022

The Tradition of Community Snack at the ECC Made Together, Shared Together

Asha Charan, Meadowlarks Lead Teacher

Meadowlark Isabelle ran to the classroom door with a grocery bag of Goldfish cartons. “I brought this to share! For our snack!” she cheered, handing the bag to one of the Meadowlark teachers. As the Meadowlarks arrived the morning of the ECC Community Snack, ingredients for the popcorn pantry mix were added to the shelf next to Isabelle’s Goldfish crackers. Other Meadowlarks chimed in with excitement, “my mom is coming to help” and “I want to help!”

The ECC Community Snack is a wonderful opportunity for the children in each classroom to take the time to create a snack dish that will be enjoyed by all. Every Meadowlark had a role to play in creating their snack, with families volunteering to provide ingredients and four parent volunteers coming to the classroom to provide support in the preparation and serving of the snack.

The parent volunteers arrived, and the tables near the play structure transformed into work stations as the Hummingbird children prepared their apple “donuts” alongside the Meadowlarks, who took turns using

scoops to add popcorn, pretzels, Goldfish crackers and animal crackers to a large tray. When they poured their scoops of snacks into the tray and mixed it all up, they invited their Meadowlark friends to come over for a turn.

When the preparations were complete, it was time to get seated and enjoy the snack together. All the tables and benches were transformed into one long table. While the classrooms typically eat snack with their own classmates, Community Snack was an opportunity for the children to sit with their friends from other classrooms. Sparrows sat next to their younger Heron siblings, alongside old friends from last year who had moved to different classrooms.

With plates full of a variety of snacks and cups full of water, the children of the ECC were able to enjoy the snack they all worked so hard on, surrounded by their peers, friends, and the many loving grownups of the ECC community. 

“Community is when we gather together” - Lilikoi Meadowlarks’ reflections on what “community” means:

“Community is like sharing snacks and sharing our tables” - Ishaan

“Communtiy is sharing and caring with our friends” - Mari

“Community is the ECC” - Harlem

Phonemic Awareness

Who Am I?

Discovering Identity Through Animals in Kindergarten

Brooke Faill, Kindergarten Lead Teacher

This fall, our kindergarten class embarked on a thoughtful identity study inspired by the children’s strong interest in animals. From building aquariums out of stream materials to discussing potential class pets, their curiosity encouraged us to explore a deeper question: which animal feels most connected to who they are?

We began with Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, a book that links personal qualities to animal traits. Before choosing, we talked about how the animal that reflects our personality is not always the same as our favorite animal. This helped the children think beyond what they like and consider who they truly are.

Their insights were extremely insightful for a group of 5-year-olds! Luca shared that he feels like a koala because he is flexible and patient. Story chose an alligator because she protects her friends and can get grumpy when someone interrupts her eating. Birdie identified with a hamster because she is “quiet and loud,” while Sonam saw her intelligence reflected in a snake. Arlo and Indy both felt

connected to the speed and confidence of a cheetah. Luna chose an eagle because she sees herself as strong, fierce, and cute. Odin offered a thoughtful comparison, saying he relates to cows because he is calm and friendly.

After individual conversations, each child sketched a plan for a cardboard mask and brought it to life through careful designing and construction. Their completed masks now form a fun display in our classroom. Lately, the children have begun asking if they can take their masks down to create stories and act out their animal identities.

What began as an exploration of animals has grown into meaningful work about self-awareness, creativity, and community. 

Walking the Walk

3rd Graders Take on Food Insecurity

Jackie McPherson, 3rd Grade

Lead Teacher

On Sunday, November 2, more than 70 members of the WNS community gathered on the Santa Monica boardwalk to participate in the annual Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk.

Students, families, teachers, and administrators joined together as the “WNS Jets” team, creating a joyful and energetic presence along the oceanfront path.

With more than 600 walkers participating overall—the event’s largest turnout ever—the coastal route took us past iconic Santa Monica landmarks such as the Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach, all while raising awareness about the urgent issue of food insecurity.

Our WNS Jets team made an extraordinary impact this year. The team raised $5,865, earning the distinction of being the fifth highest fundraising team, and we were honored with an award for having the largest team in the entire walk! Thanks to the combined efforts of all participants, the Hunger Walk reached its fundraising goal, ultimately raising enough to provide over 608,000 nutritious meals for neighbors in need.

The event holds special meaning for our 3rd graders. Later this school year, during their Impact LA social studies unit, students will take a deeper look at food insecurity, one of several community challenges they may choose to study, alongside topics such as homelessness, air pollution, and water pollution. In this unit, each class selects one issue to explore in depth, asking critical questions such as:

• What is the problem?

• What contributes to it?

• Who is most affected?

• What are the short- and long-term effects?

• What solutions exist?

Students collaborate in small research groups, create poster boards to explain their findings, and write fiveparagraph essays describing the causes, effects, and possible solutions related to their class’s chosen issue. Their work culminates in a presentation at Open House, where families are invited to learn directly from students about the social issues shaping life in Los Angeles.

By participating in the Hunger Walk, our 3rd graders not only supported a meaningful cause—they also began building the knowledge and empathy that will guide their studies later in the year.

It was a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish together, and how even young learners can make a real impact in the world around them! 

Circle: A Space for Us All

Shannon Parker & Parker Williams, 4th Grade Lead Teachers

Ever wanted a chance to come together to face your emotions while feeling safe and vulnerable? 4th grade’s Circle practice benefits all who participates. While there is no one correct way to participate in Circle, this is how we have found it particularly effective at WNS.

The four main rules of Circle are as follows:

• Speak from the heart

• Listen from the heart

• Speak spontaneously (not rehearsed)

• Be concise with your words

When participating in Circle, students and teachers work together to create a safe space. Through this practice, we are able to strengthen bonds with each other and ourselves. Circle starts with a dedication where anyone in the circle is invited to dedicate to the essence and spirituality of the moment.

After a dedication, students and teachers take turns responding to a prompt. 4th graders enjoy being able to pick the specific talking piece that speaks to them, so they feel comfortable to jump right in. If you have the talking piece, everyone else knows that their voice is off. While everyone is encouraged and invited to share, people also have the option to pass as they acclimate to the emotions at the time.

We have discussed both positive and negative experiences we have had at school as well as boundaries that we want respected. Circle allows those who might not feel comfortable speaking out in other situations to feel empowered to share their voice during this dedicated time. Something we appreciate about Circle is that it is completely confidential, meaning there is an innate trust within ourselves and each other. We have enjoyed teaching the 4th graders this and feel it is a special moment in the school day between us and our students. It has been heartwarming to witness 4th graders begin to view Circle as a healing time, looking forward to their weekly Circles.

While Circle can bring up some complex emotions, we are always able to walk away feeling restored, resolved, and deeply connected to our classroom community as a whole. 

Young Leaders, Big Ideas

Inside the Lower School Student Council

Hazel Heredia & Haley Petri, 4th & 5th Grade Lead Teachers

The Lower School Student Council (LSSC) is one of the most joyful and empowering leadership opportunities available to WNS students in 1st through 5th grade. Each semester, 26 representatives are thoughtfully selected by their teachers to help shape student life, build community, and bring new ideas to the Lower School experience.

Throughout the fall, council members meet briefly on Thursday mornings, where the room quickly fills with energy, collaboration, and creativity. Students brainstorm possibilities, share perspectives across grade levels, and dream up the kinds of events that make school feel exciting and connected. These meetings offer a unique space where younger and older students work side by side, practicing leadership in real time.

Over the years, the LSSC has brought a wide variety of student-led initiatives to life, including Movie Night, Valentine’s Day Dress-Up Day, May the 4th celebration, and Pride Day. Each event reflects the council’s imagination and sense of joy, while also strengthening the bonds within the Lower School community. For many students, seeing their ideas turned into real events is one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

With support and guidance from Ms. Heredia and Ms. Petri, council members learn essential skills in communication, organization, and time management. Representatives practice speaking up, listening to one another’s ideas, and following through on tasks, all while building confidence and forming friendships with peers across grade levels.

The LSSC remains a space where student voices are valued and where leadership is practiced in authentic, hands-on ways. As the council continues its work, it empowers students to take ownership of their school experience and to make a real, lasting impact on the Lower School community. 

KWNS On Air!

The Sound of Student

Storytelling

Elle Rothberg, Middle School English Teacher

KWNS is the new student-run radio station at Westside Neighborhood School! The elective is under the guidance of middle school English teacher Elle Rothberg, who began her career in public radio at WNYC.

In this elective, students listen to, and discuss, a range of radio genres, such as journalism, narrative storytelling, and audio plays. Students then learn how to produce their own podcasts from start to finish. They begin by choosing a theme for the episode and holding a pitch meeting to share story ideas connected to their school and local communities.

Once stories are assigned, students head into the field with their recorders to gather “tape,” including interviews and background sounds that bring their stories to life. Next, they review their audio, write scripts, record narration, and use editing software to produce engaging radio stories.

The students then compile all of their stories into one episode. After the final edit, each episode is uploaded to Podbean, a streaming platform accessible to the WNS community and beyond. The first episode, themed “Behind the Scenes,” features stories about the new WNS building, the backstage life of a theater production, interviews with Hollywood professionals, and highlights from the WNS sports program.

KWNS offers students an amazing opportunity to develop essential media literacy skills for today’s world. The goal is for them to leave the elective with a deeper appreciation for public radio and journalism, as well as an understanding of the power of storytelling through sound. 

Tune in by scanning the QR code below!

Putting Change Into Motion

This year for our 8th grade capstone project, SWIM (Solutionary Work in Motion), we chose to partner with the Los Angeles LGBT Center (LALGBTC). The Center is an amazing organization that supports LGBTQ+ people in Los Angeles by providing housing, education, healthcare, and community programs. We wanted to support them because their mission is extremely important—especially now—and we believe everyone deserves safety, dignity, and acceptance.

So far, one of our favorite parts of this project has been working together at fundraisers and community events. It has been really meaningful to spend time with each other and with members of the community while also contributing to a cause we care about. We’ve learned that making a difference doesn’t always have to be huge; small actions still matter, and even a little progress can help someone.

Of course, we’ve faced some challenges too. Communicating with outside organizations while planning events has definitely tested our patience. Sometimes people don’t get back to us

promptly, and waiting can be frustrating—especially when we feel excited about an idea and want to get started right away. But we’ve learned that staying organized, persistent, and flexible is all part of doing real community work.

Even with the challenges, the most rewarding part has been knowing that our efforts are helping others. The LGBTQ+ community is one of the most historically oppressed groups in the world, and being able to support them in a direct, hands-on way feels both powerful and important. Whether we’re raising money, donating goods, or spreading awareness, we know our actions matter.

So far, we’ve raised over $700 for the Center through several fundraisers, including Entrepreneurial Day, the WAM Block Party in Westchester, and an event at Jeni’s Ice Cream in Playa Vista. The money we raised last year allowed us to purchase essential hygiene products for donation, and this year we’re planning even more events to continue building support.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done, but we’re not finished yet. We hope our efforts spark more conversations and inspire others to support the LALGBTC as well. And we’d love for you to join us— keep an eye out for our next fundraiser and come show your support! 

Values in Full Color

The Painted Pillars Project

In middle school, our students have the privilege of choosing from a variety of electives— classes that they take in addition to their core subjects. With our new building well underway, I wanted to offer an elective that would bring beauty to our new walls while also artistically showcasing WNS’s core values.

I have a ritual: when I come home from WNS, I unwind in the backyard and reflect on my day—what went well, what didn’t go so great, and which new ideas begin to spark. I jot everything down, and as the creative process through backward design began swirling in my mind, Painted Pillars started to take shape.

I envisioned four canvases, each one representing one of WNS’s four pillars: Academic Excellence,

Magnus L. Character, DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice), and Community. The challenge was figuring out how to express these concepts artistically in a way that would be visually meaningful. I would like to give a special shout-out to Kaitlin Rodriguez, Director of Grades 5-8, who created a descriptive resource breaking down the key skills and understandings behind each pillar. Her work helped launch the creative process.

The students who enrolled in the elective embraced this ambitious project from the start. They were curious, engaged, eager to collaborate, and excited to showcase their skills and creativity. Students grouped themselves according to the pillar they wanted to represent, forming teams of three for each canvas.

Each student began by researching and sketching initial ideas on paper. Then, as a group, they reviewed all of their sketches, discussing what to refine, remove, expand, or combine in order to create a unified final draft. From there, they worked together to sketch their designs onto 24” x 30” butcher paper, the actual size of the canvas.

Once their outlines were complete, it was time to paint! To visually connect the four pieces, we decided each canvas would be “framed” by two pillars on either side, with the pillar name featured on an arch above. Like most artists, students began with the background and worked from large to small details.

I am incredibly proud of these students. Their collaboration, dedication, and artistic talent have been extraordinary. I cannot wait for our community to enjoy their finished pieces and to be reminded daily of the values WNS strives to live by. 

Contributing artists (Winter Electives 2025-26):

Landon A., Charlie A., Kehaulani K., Noah K., Emme M., Ronin R., Kennedy S., Aya S., Esme W., Lucy W.

It’s a Jungle Out There!

Cuba: Learning in Living Color

A Global Studies Adventure

This past summer, a group of WNS middle schoolers embarked on what many described as a trip of a lifetime: the Global Studies trip to Cuba. Designed to broaden students’ worldviews while deepening their Spanish language learning, the trip immersed students in Cuba’s vibrant culture, layered history, and everyday life.

The adventure began in Havana, where our Jets explored the colorful neighborhoods transformed by local artists, including the Arte 92 Project and the famous Callejón de Hamel. As they learned about community art, Afro-Cuban culture, and the power of creativity, students also practiced Spanish through conversations with local guides and residents. One of the most memorable moments came when Cuban artists shared how important it was for visitors to experience Cuba firsthand rather than “hearing about it from others.”

Throughout the trip, students engaged deeply with Cuban history. A visit to Playa Girón - the Bay of Pigs - offered a meaningful perspective on a pivotal moment in U.S.–Cuba relations. In Cienfuegos and Trinidad, the group explored colonial architecture, historic theaters, and local markets, often using their Spanish skills to ask

questions, bargain, and connect with the people around them.

One of the most impactful experiences occurred in the mountains outside Trinidad, where students delivered donated school supplies and toiletries to local families. They also toured a family-run coffee farm, learning firsthand about agricultural practices, sustainability, and rural life. These encounters offered powerful lessons in empathy, gratitude, and global citizenship.

Of course, the trip wasn’t all culture - students balanced each day with fun and adventure! Salsa dancing, pool time, live music, and even an unexpected ride on a 150-year-old steam train added joy and spontaneity to the journey. A baseball game with Cuban players became an unforgettable highlight, reminding students how sports can bridge cultures without a shared language.

As the group traveled back through Havana for their final day, they reflected on what they had learned: how history shapes daily life, how limited resources impact a community, and how human connection transcends borders. This Global Studies trip not only expanded students’ understanding of the world - it strengthened their confidence as global thinkers and compassionate citizens. Take a look opposite to see some of our intrepid explorers’ takeaways from this very special trip. Thank you to Ms. Mihalic and our chaperones for making this adventure so memorable! 

Postcards From Student Reflections

“Life is different in Cuba than in the US. Sometimes we take this for granted. Even though I noticed that people in Cuba may have less, most people seemed happy. They were also so creative and industrious with materials, creating art from everything.”

Andrew

“The authentic interactions with people really left a mark. The coffee farm and lunch at Mileidy were my favorites. The way they welcomed us into their homes. A shared meal and sharing stories was special.”

“The opportunity to meet, play, and interact with other baseball play- ers was an experience that will stick with me. More than just playing with them, speaking with them was really cool. I enjoyed connecting over a shared passion.”

“Seeing so many live music performances was inspiring, and getting on the beach stage in Trinidad to perform with a band is certainly going to be a core Cuba memory for me.”

“A highlight was the cars. They are 75 years old, and they’re still running. They capture a moment in time, and show the grit and determination of the Cuban people.”

“The architecture! From driving past the capitol building at night, with its golden dome illuminated, to the colonial style hotel in Remedios, to the Spanish architecture and Russian apartment buildings, we saw a great mix!”

In SPLASH, we take unconventional field trips, visiting places where volunteers help fellow citizens, where people need a step up, or where the environment needs our creative ideas.

School as a Second Home

Our Responsibility to

Affirm

and Honor Student Identities

Dr. Martinique Starnes, Director of Culture, Community, & Belonging

Understanding one’s own identity and that of others is foundational to the diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) work at WNS. Identity is deeply woven into the student experience, visible in the work displayed across campus, reflected in the books intentionally selected for classrooms and libraries, and expressed in the ways we exist in community, all of which is embedded throughout the curriculum.

Our goal is for students to develop a strong, confident sense of self and to experience school as a place where they can bring their full, authentic identities. Equally important, we strive to support students in learning about and connecting with the identities of others, broadening their worldviews and strengthening their capacity for empathy and perspective-taking.

To deepen this work and to create a shared framework for understanding identity, we have chosen to use home as an anchor for this year’s learning.

The concept of home carries multiple meanings: it can refer to a physical space, a family system, a feeling

of safety, a cultural foundation, a community of belonging, or a combination of these elements.

Home serves as the primary site of early identity formation, where young people first develop an understanding of who they are, what they value, and how they make sense of the world. By using home as a lens for our DEIJ work, we remain grounded in students’ lived experiences and gain insight into how their home environments shape their perspectives, ways of being, and engagement with the community.

Importantly, home offers a universal and developmentally appropriate entry point for exploring identity across lines of age, class, culture, and background. While the experience of home varies widely, the concept itself is broadly understood and accessible, even for our youngest learners. Framing identity exploration through the language of home allows students to recognize both shared experiences and meaningful differences among their peers. This approach creates a familiar foundation from which to engage in conversations about identity, culture, values, norms, and belonging. It also supports the development of empathy and cross-cultural understanding by providing a common conceptual anchor that acknowledges universal human needs while honoring each student’s unique identity.

Because school can also function as a kind of second home, we have a responsibility to be intentional about how our environment and practices shape students’ identities. The choices we make, through curriculum, classroom culture, relationships, and community expectations, can either affirm the identities students bring with them or unintentionally marginalize aspects of who they are. By engaging students in thoughtful explorations of home, across both personal and collective dimensions, we create meaningful opportunities for them to reflect, connect, and experience belonging in ways that feel authentic and culturally responsive. 

“The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

- Maya Angelou

Go Jets!

WNS Athletics

Our athletics program continues to soar, not only in competition but in the meaningful experiences it provides students. The Jets Athetlics program emphasizes skill-building, teamwork, and personal growth, ensuring that every student-athlete feels supported and challenged. Participation in athletics fosters resilience, leadership, and school pridequalities that carry into the classroom and beyond!

Haley Ahir

Karlo Aluisi

Annika Ammon

Zion Anakwenze

Danielle Arutunian

Remi Benyamin

Jordan Brookins

Andrew Brown

Anna Campbell

Eda Cetinbay

Ethan Chang

Oliver Cisneros

John Clements

Julian Cooper-Butler

Stella Coyne

Brandon Ear

Alec Eitner

Gianna Farag

Otis Faxon

Gabrielle Feinman

Blakeley Filliettaz

Miles Gordon

Eva Gray

Ilesanmi Hollie

Lily Hopkins

Peyton Johnson

Niara Khan

Lucas Lamberton

Magnus Larsson

Bode Lees

William Lively

Jack Logsdon

Maceo Mayer

Alexander Melendez

Gia Morris

Sivaram Nayar

Nicklas Newberg

Madeleine Page

Summer Peck

Tyler Ragsdale

Ayden Reiners

Tyler Roberts

Cameron Ross

Aryeh Sapadin

Stella Saxe

Peyton Schlichter

Noa Shapiro

Zev Shapiro

Violet Shockley

Charlie Solomon

Jordan Spiegler

Luna Steudler

Take a look at where this class is making their mark this year:

Brentwood School

Chadwick School

Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences

Dunn School

Geffen Academy at UCLA

Harvard-Westlake School

Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA)

Loyola High School

Marymount High School

Miles Stone

Tyson Thompson

Octavio Tseng

Gia Upshaw

Mateo Venegas

Jackson Vernon

Talya Weissman

Madison Yamaguchi

Excerpts from Mr. Zacuto’s Graduation Speech:

“To create a strong community requires bonding and connecting with those beyond our immediate social comfort zone.”

“We all affect each other in life’s journey.”

“We are counting on you, Class of 2025, to deploy your considerable talents and good hearts to not simply be shields to protect these critical beliefs, but to be the spears that move us all forward.”

Mira Costa High School

Pacifica Christian High School

San Domenico School (Marin County)

Sierra Canyon School

The Thacher School

Venice High School

Vistamar School

Windward School

Oh, The Places They’ll Go...

Last June, we were thrilled to welcome back the WNS Class of 2021, one of our favorite traditions. Four years into their high school journeys and preparing to head off to college, these alumni returned with stories shaped by growth, challenge, and accomplishment. Seeing former teachers and classmates reconnect was a powerful reminder that while students may leave WNS, they remain part of our community for life.

Take a look at where the WNS Class of 2021 is attending this year:

Bard College

Boise State University

Boston College

Brandeis University

California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo

California State University, San Marcos

Claremont McKenna College

Colby College

Columbia University

Hampton University

Haverford College

Howard University

Indiana University

Lehigh University

Loyola Marymount University

Morehouse College

Newcastle University, UK

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

San Diego State University

Santa Barbara City College

Seattle University

SoCal Academy

Syracuse University

The New School

The Pennsylvania State University

Toronto Metropolitan University

Tufts University

University of Arizona

University of the Arts London (London College of Fashion), UK

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Merced University of California, San Diego

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Glasgow, UK

University of Michigan

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

Wake Forest University

Wesleyan University

Yale University

ALUMNI UPDATES

We love receiving updates from our alumni around the globe! Stay in touch with us at alumni@wns-la.org and visit our alumni webpage for our upcoming events! Here’s the latest news from our WNS family.

““I am the Liaison for the National Association Alumnae Spelman College in LA, and I’m working for LA Civil Rights in youth development, project management, and community outreach, focusing on advocacy and building connections that support equitable, culturally competent healthcare.”

- Amber Grimes (‘19)

Zoie Brogdon Class of 2019

Sasha Benson Cass of 2016

“

Amber Grimes Class of 2019

“I am a junior at UCLA, majoring in African American Studies with a minor in Film, TV, and Digial Media. I am currently writing a series of children’s books about my life as an equestrian.”

- Zoie Brogdon (‘19)

I graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 with a B.S in Social Policy & Global Health Studies! I studied abroad in London my senior year at Goldsmiths University doing media studies and traveled throughout Europe. Also I learned how to DJ (my moniker is Swashii). Currently, I am working in Washington D.C. as a Health Policy Analyst for Capitol Street. I also dance and have a researcher’s pass to Folger Shakespeare library.”

- Sasha Benson (‘16)

Matthew Caputo Class of 2012

“ I graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in Computer Science and am currently working at Apex Space, just down the street in Playa Vista!”

- Matthew Caputo (‘12)

- Rachel Greenberg (‘13) “

I’m working as a Mechanical Engineer at Raytheon. I also ran a marathon in July!”

Caitlin Caputo Class of 2015

“I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2023 with a bachelors in Biology and minors in Physics and Child Development. I am now living in Park City, Utah, heading into my third season of ski instructing at Deer Valley Ski Resort. Come visit me!”

- Caitlin Caputo (‘15)

“I’m in my senior year of high school. I just finished my first short film DECEPTACON based on the song by Le Tigre! Currently hoping to make another one for Black History Month… We also just closed GREASE! at my school and I was honored to play dancer Cha Cha DiGregorio. I’m also looking forward to possibly choreographing for our upcoming dance concert: Flip the Script!“

- Leila Algee (‘22)

After graduating from Marymount HS with Honors in English and Performing arts (I was in the musical every year and playing Varsity Volleyball), I’m in my final semester at Long Beach State, graduating in just 3.5 years! I play Division I volleyball here, and when I’m not on the court, I’m studying English with a focus in Creative Writing. I’m also earning minors in Theatre Arts and Journalism — because clearly, I like to keep things interesting.

I’ve had a pretty exciting run lately! In 2024, I was part of the poetry group that opened the Festival of Books at USC, and in 2025, I returned as a featured poet on one of the festival’s stages. This past June, I was honored to be a finalist in the LA Youth Poet Laureate competition. I was also published in Exposition Review and performed as a featured poet at one of their events, a huge moment for me as both a writer and performer.”

- Rhiann Sheffie (‘18)

Magnus

Larsson

Class of 2025

“Magnus is a Freshman at Brentwood High School, and is thriving in Cross-Country.

He went to the CIF-SS Finals recently.

Thank you to Heidi Reimann for introducing the sport to Magnus!”

- Theresa Larsson

Sheffie Class of 2018

“ I recently graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a BA in American Studies and Philosophy. I’m back in L.A. finding my footing in the art world and currently working with LACMA’s Museum Service Council. I just finished my senior thesis on contemporary art and Pacific heritage, and it’s currently under review for publication. I’m also involved in community arts work and youth sports while I map out my next steps.”

- Piper Neri (‘16)

ALUMNI UPDATES “ “

I graduated from WNS in 2012 and went on to Pacifica Christian High School. From there, I fulfilled my dream of attending UCLA—Go Bruins!—earning a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in African and Middle Eastern Studies. I later completed my Master of Science in Global Health at UCSF.

I currently work at Cedars-Sinai Health System, where I recently completed an Administrative Fellowship with Cedars-Sinai International.

I’m also the oldest of four siblings—all proud WNS alumni— once affectionately known on campus as “the Hanna Siblings.” I still think fondly of family groups, the Winter Program, and my role as Rapunzel in Into the Woods in Middle School. And a special shoutout to Ms. Arutunian (now Mrs. Wyman) for being an unforgettable 5th grade teacher.”

- Jasmine Hanna (‘12)

Ella Parker Class of 2019

I am a professional Stage Manager and college graduate. I am in my first year with the Lakers as their stage manager, and my 4th seasons with the Rams, Kings, Angel City, and LAFC. I will also be one of the stage managers for the 2026 World Cup!”

- Brendan Craig (‘14)

Jasmine Hanna Class of 2012

Ella Parker made headlines in 2025 with an unforgettable walk-off hit for Oklahoma Softball, sealing a dramatic win against Tennessee and showcasing her talent on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Now competing at the highest level of collegiate softball, Ella’s success reflects years of dedication, resilience, and heart.

Looking back on her time at WNS, Ella credits WNS with helping shape her mindset as an athlete. “Softball at WNS was such a great outlet,” she shared. “We played with so much heart. We never shied away from anything. It really taught us that no dream was too big.” From the WNS fields to the national spotlight, Ella’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when confidence, community, and courage come together. Go Ella!

Evan DeLano Class of 2009

I am at The Archer School for Girls and will be representing Team USA in the 2026 Theatre on Ice Nations Cup, as a member of the Novice Team!”

- Caroline Faber (‘24)

- Isaac Rosenheck (‘23) “

I am now an Eagle Scout, a competitive swimmer for both my school (Wildwood School) and a club team (Royal Swim Team), and an electric guitarist who plays with a gigging band (along with my brother). I am also in the process of publishing a technical scientific paper on the health risks of the radiation emitted from the radar used in Waymo self-driving cars, and I am working towards a second technical paper on the presence of hazardous heavy metals in the soil and water of the Pacific Palisades after the recent fires.”

“I’m a Finance Leader at Amazon and this year I ran the Seattle Marathon with other WNS alumni! Congratulations on the new Campus! Best of luck to Brad and all the awesome staff, you guys are all special people.”

- Evan DeLano (‘09)

Pictured: Evan (left) and Bryan Kronenberg (‘09) (right).

Selah Johnson Class of 2022

Selah Johnson (‘22) is a senior at The Archer School for Girls who blends creativity and civic engagement to drive change. A performer, poet, and California State Champion in the NEA’s Poetry Out Loud, Selah uses storytelling onstage and off to amplify community voices. She has produced an award-winning documentary, Why Vote, with Global Girl Media and mentors nationally with DemocraShe, empowering young women in civic leadership. As she looks ahead to college, Selah plans to pursue media and the performing arts, continuing to use art as a catalyst for advocacy. We are so proud of you, Selah!

A New Chapter at WNS

Meet Danny Kramer, Director of Development

Walking onto the Westside Neighborhood School campus for the first time, I had a moment I’ll never forget: the very first person I ran into was a teacher who had once been my student.

Nothing says “you’re exactly where you’re meant to be” quite like a full-circle moment that made the school feel less new and more like a return. From that instant, the warmth and brightness of the energy here made it clear: WNS isn’t just a school, it is a community that already feels like home.

As someone who began my career as a teacher, I’ve always believed schools have a heartbeat. Here, that heartbeat is a rhythm of generosity, curiosity, and yes, the daily joyful shouts and musical exploration heard in our office coming from the music room directly beneath us. From day one, I have been struck by the openness, trust, and care of the Development Team and everyone else I’ve met - so much so that it seems like there must have been a memo sent out saying, “Be extra nice to Danny.”

Since stepping into the role of Director of Development, I have seen how WNS is powered by both kindness and action. Working alongside the Parent Group Board has been especially meaningful. Laura Street and Natalie Gluck Mitchell, our PGB President and Vice President, have been generous partners from the start, and I have been continually inspired by the volunteers who lead our Annual Fund, Party Book, Auction, Gala, and the new WNS Cares

Community Service Committee. Their dedication reflects a community that doesn’t simply value engagement; it practices it.

These efforts do more than support programs. They strengthen the fabric of the school and make possible the experiences that define a WNS education. The Annual Fund and the Embrace the Dream Capital Campaign are central to this work, ensuring that our teachers have what they need, our programs continue to evolve, and our new building opens ready to meet the imagination of every student who walks through its doors.

Parents often remind me of the impact of this community. One shared, “We feel we’ve landed at the best school in Los Angeles. The values WNS promotes—kindness, integrity, and compassion— are the very ones we hold dearest. After Back to School Night, we were discussing that the level of education and intention from the teachers feels like a dream come true as a parent.” Moments like these make it clear: this is a community that invests deeply because it cares deeply.

And that’s why I’m here. I’ve finally found a school whose values feel like my own, whose rhythm fits the way I move through the world, and whose people make work feel like purpose. Thank you for welcoming me, trusting me, and partnering with me. I’m thrilled to be here, grateful beyond measure, and excited for everything we will build together.

Danny Kramer

What We Make Possible Together

One of the first things you notice at Westside Neighborhood School is how deeply people care. You see it in teachers who arrive early and stay late, in students who instinctively hold the door for one another (and for me!), and in parents who show up again and again, offering their time and energy simply because they believe in this place. A school like that does not happen by accident. It happens because families choose, year after year, to invest in it together.

Tuition gives us a strong starting point by covering most of our operating costs, but it does not cover the full cost of the WNS educational experience. The Annual Fund is what allows WNS to stretch beyond the basics. It supports students, teachers, programs, and moments that make this place feel alive, from innovative learning experiences like the 3rd grade field trip to the Natural History Museum, or the 7th grade field trip to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, to the everyday resources that help teachers and students do their best work. It’s the quiet engine behind so much of what makes WNS go.

What I find most meaningful about the Annual Fund is that it reflects who we are as a community. Participation matters here. Every gift, at every level, is an expression of shared belief in the school and in the students who fill it with energy and imagination. Since 1980, families have helped shape WNS not just with generosity, but with trust and partnership, creating a culture where everyone plays a part.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that understands that education is a collective effort, and honored to work alongside families who continue to invest in the present and future of this remarkable school.

With gratitude,

Danny Kramer

WNS Director of Development

Scan to support the WNS Annual Fund.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

Change at WNS has always been thoughtful and intentional. We do not grow for the sake of growing; we grow to better serve our students and the community around them. Embrace the Dream reflects that same purpose and care.

In Fall 2026, WNS will take an exciting step forward as our DK–8th grade community comes together on a new campus at 5340 Alla Road. This move is not simply about a new building. It is about creating spaces that truly reflect how our students learn, move, create, collaborate, and belong.

The Embrace the Dream Capital Campaign is focused on bringing that vision fully to life. The $3 million goal supports enhancements that will be ready for students from day one, including a vibrant athletic complex, a developmentally intentional play yard for our youngest learners, and spaces we have long dreamed of but never had before: a community meeting room, a middle school student lounge, a dedicated dance studio, and an emerging media and production lab. These are places where students will gather, experiment, express themselves, and grow into who they are becoming.

What has moved me most since stepping into this role is how quickly our community has rallied around this moment. This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and families have embraced it with extraordinary generosity and belief.

Thanks to that early support, we are already more than halfway to our goal, with nearly $1.9 million raised as of December 2025.

Embrace the Dream is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about imagining what’s possible when we build with intention and when a community comes together to invest in the future of its children. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped carry this vision forward, and I cannot wait to see our students step into these spaces and make them their own.

If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Danny Kramer, Director of Development at danny.kramer@wns-la.org.

From all of us at WNS, thank you for your continued support and here’s to the next chapter!

Danny Kramer Director of Development

Through the Embrace the Dream campaign, your gift will help create these inspiring spaces where WNS students will learn, grow, and thrive.

Scan to support the WNS Embrace the Dream campaign.

Ways To Support

Every single gift to Westside Neighborhood School is appreciated and vital to supporting the school’s mission. We welcome the support of our community and have listed below the many ways to give. We strive to make the process of giving back to the WNS community as straightforward as possible. WNS is a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization and therefore donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information on making an annual or legacy gift, please contact Danny Kramer, Director of Development, at danny.kramer@wns-la.org or (310) 574-8650.

Make a Gift Online

Give an online donation using American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa. You may also use direct debit.

Tribute Gifts

Gifts in honor or in memory of a friend, family member or special occasion may be given to any of our funds by leaving a comment on our online form or emailing development@wns-la.org

Gifts Of Securities/Stock

Please contact the Development Office at development@wns-la.org for transfer instructions or simply fill out the online form and choose the payment option of stock/other.

Donor Advised Fund

A donor advised fund (DAF), which is like a charitable savings account, gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to Westside Neighborhood School and other qualified charities. You can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use your fund as a tool for future charitable gifts. Please email development@wns-la.org if you have any questions regarding a DAF.

Pledge

In order to be mindful of each donor’s personal circumstances we can arrange a pledge payment schedule that accommodates your philanthropic needs and wishes. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please use the ‘Pledge to Give in the Future’ tab at the top of our online form. If you are interested in exploring this option or prefer to make your gift by phone, please email development@wns-la.org

Legacy Giving

We invite those who have experienced the magic of WNS and feel invested in the future of our school, to call us to discuss the benefits and long-term impact of giving an estate gift.

Creating your WNS legacy can be a simple and quick process. If you have a will or trust, consider adding the school as a beneficiary or include WNS as a beneficiary on your IRA or other retirement account. If you would like to discuss these and other legacy options, please contact Director of Development, Danny Kramer at danny.kramer@wns-la.org.

Visit www.wns-la.org/support-wns/giving-at-wns to learn how you can make an impact.

Enjoy a look back at some of our community highlights from this past year! We are so grateful for this vibrant, connected, dedicated community as we embark on this next phase of WNS history!

5401 Beethoven Street

Los Angeles, CA 90066